Ryan Newton

South Shore Beach is officially open Though folks have been ignoring the signage and perimeter fencing for months already, the South Shore Beach Rehabilitation Project, which moved the beach to the south, is now substantially complete and the beach is open. County Parks officials say that the fencing that remains in place is to help the new grass to become established and grow. In its former location closer to the north end of South Shore Park, 2900 S. Shore Dr., the beach was often ranked among the worst in the nation for swimming due to poor water quality. After more than a decade of study and planning, the beach was moved south to be nearer the opening of the breakwater, which is expected to help create better water quality conditions. A ribbon cutting and celebration will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, from 3:30 until 4:15 p.m. at the park. The public is invited. The rehabilitation, which has coincided with work to shore up the northern end of the breakwater off the park’s shoreline, has been a collaboration between Milwaukee County Parks, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, the City of Milwaukee Health Dept. and Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Milwaukee Estuary AOC Community Advisory Committee and members of the Waterway Restoration Partnership. As part of the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) Program, comprehensive studies showed that water quality was being negatively impacted by stormwater runoff from surrounding areas, waste from birds and waterfowl, combined sewer overflows, and the breakwater which restricted natural water circulation. When UWM’s McLellan Lab’s water sampling data showed significantly lower E. coli levels on the rocky shoreline to the south, it was determined that the best solution was to move the beach. Armed with the data, SmithGroup was tapped in 2018 to design the new beach and created a beach with a new sandy swimming area, accessible trails and beach entry points, features that minimize stormwater runoff and discourage wildlife congregation, and a foot wash station and public amenities. “Milwaukee County Parks are special treasures that boost our local economy, support the health and well-being of our community, and provide avenues for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy the outdoors,” “The completion of the South Shore Beach project represents an important investment that is the result of years of collaboration, making our public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I’m excited to see our community once again enjoy this iconic destination on Milwaukee County’s beautiful lakefront.” The construction of the project – which the County says was delayed by the pandemic and funding issues – was spearheaded by A.W. Oakes & Son. “Successful completion of the South Shore Beach project is one example of many in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC showing how our efforts are stronger together,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Karen Hyun. “By continuing our tradition of strong partnerships and collaboration, we have a pivotal opportunity to clean up pollution in Milwaukee’s waterways, restore healthy fish and wildlife, improve economic opportunities and the quality of life for Milwaukee and for the region.” You can learn more about the project at mkecountyparks.org/south-shore-beach-rehabilitation-project-aoc.

South Shore Beach is officially open

Just to give the TL;DR on this one:

*The* main purpose of the EO is to move funding priorities and decisions away from experts and career professionals over to political appointees. With the ultimate power held by Vought / OMB.

Free time at #IAGLR25. Check out the Riverwalk or MKE parks if you get a chance. Or if the wildfire smoke sends you inside head to the Milwaukee Art Museum or a sneaky cool spot is the Main branch of the Milwaukee Public Library - it’s Amazing!

Re-posting this for those who may want to visit the School of Freshwater Sciences on Wednesday youtu.be/u2dNmpM8Rmk

Four Center for Water Policy staff standing together smiling in business casual attire. To the left is a partial view of a vertical banner that reads Collaborative and shows images of water research in Wisconsin, like a scientist in a lab, and researchers performing field work by collecting water samples from a boat and by standing in a stream wearing waders.

🔔We're seeking an Assistant Director! This is a full-time, non-teaching academic staff position at UWM's School of Freshwater Sciences. Applications due June 16. Read more and apply here: jobs.uwm.edu/postings/40444

More random MKE info. There are now many murals on buildings & structures all over the city. Check out Black Cat Alley & so many more #IAGLR25

NEXT WEEK join us in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for #IAGLR25! IAGLR's 68th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research will feature four days of inspiring science centered around our theme Creating Great Lakes Resilience. In-person and online options available: https://bit.ly/3E3BuuO

Downtown Dining Week Get a flavor for downtown Milwaukee by sampling the city's top steakhouses, bistros and ethnic eateries. For eight days, you'll enjoy three-course meals at $12.50 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner. ...

And it’s Downtown dining week in Milwaukee during the conference! Take advantage of numerous specials for lunch & dinner. #IAGLR25
www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/d...

And it is with the trip if you can make it to Bayview, just to the south of Walkers Point, last thoughts
Momo Mee - actually Walkers Point
Room Service
Goodkind
Honeypie Cafe
Cafe Corazón
LuLu Cafe
Centraal Cafe
Transfer Pizzeria

Walkers Point:
La Marenda
Odd Duck
Zocalo Food Park
Camino
La Dama
Morel
Ruta’s Fresh Indian Fare
Fixture Pizza
Braise

Third Ward:
Milwaukee Public Market
Bavette La Boucherie
Apertivo
Café Benelux
Char’d
DanDan
Saffron
Riley’s Social House

Here are a few of my favorites, only places I have been:
East Side & nearby
Comet Cafe
La Masa
The Diplomat
Red Lion Pub
BelAir Cantina
Eagle Park Bewing
Lakefront Brewery
Tauro Cocina
Birch

There are many options in downtown both East & West of the MKE River, but if you head a bit further north or south you will find a big selection. The East side (Brady street area), Third Ward, & Walkers Point - all walkable but further out - have many great restaurants.

52 restaurants: Top picks in Metro Milwaukee, 2025 Lori Fredrich's challenge to you: join her in supporting at least one locally-owned restaurant weekly during 2025.

Restaurants for #IAGLR25. I have kids so I am no expert here. Check out OnMilwaukee onmilwaukee.com/articles/52-... or Milwaukee Mag for better insight www.milwaukeemag.com/best-restaur... but of course I have thoughts

Democrats are collecting info on illegally terminated Federal research grants. Whistleblower protections apply. 🧪

forms.office.com/pages/respon...

Join us at #IAGLR25 for a screening of the documentary @alltooclearfilm.bsky.social . Featuring cutting-edge underwater drones, filmmakers explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive quagga mussels are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Tickets: https://bit.ly/4kcN7j2

The field trips are filling up and some already have wait lists. Register today so you don't miss out on the extra fun at #IAGLR25: https://bit.ly/3E3BuuO

& Lions Den

6) Finally if you have more time, ~20 min from downtown is Doctor's Park with woods & beach access & ~35 min is Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve with spectacular views of Lake Michigan and beach access.

Atwater park, sculpture overlooking Lake Michigan

Milwaukee River at Estabrook park

South Shore beer garden, Milwaukee skyline & Lake Michigan in background

Tunnel entrance to Hubbard Park

5) Further afield but still in the MKE metro & my favorites Atwater Park, Estabrook Park + German beer garden, South Shore Park + beer garden, & Hubbard Park + beer garden. There are so many more fantastic parks - Lake Park, Grant Park. county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Exp...

4) Just north of the marina is Bradford Beach, county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Exp... Tiki bar, beach volleyball, custard! Often busy or cold this time of year if there is an East wind.

McKinley Marina, sailboats and Milwaukee skyline

2) Head toward the Milwaukee Art Museum from #IAGLR25 to get to Lakeshore State Park. Walk the path that takes you out into Milwaukee Harbor or hit up the Discovery World Science Museum -its great! 3) North of there along the lake is McKinley Marina - walk the pier for a great view of downtown!

Milwaukee River at Menomonee River junction, boats and Third Ward buildings.

Milwaukee is loaded with fantastic parks - 3 rivers and 1 great lake provide lots of opportunities. To take a break from #IAGLR25, here are some options: 1) Milwaukee RiverWalk - very near the conference center & cuts through the heart of downtown. Good way to see a big part of the city.

Great recommendations! & other thank Kopp’s all pretty walkable from conference area. But you should go to Kopp’s if you can!

Beside those 4 there are plenty of great cafés in the Baird Center area & I will miss many. Fiddleheads downtown, Vendetta (a personal fav) -Italian coffee in Walkers Point, Discourse has fascinating drinks and great music, Bizstarts coffee, Full of Beans, Likewise, & Grace are all in 3 block area

Colectivo coffee out door cafe. Seating area

Personal favorites: Anodyne Walkers Point Roastery - doubles as a music venue, Valentine Third Ward, Stone Creek The Factory & Roastery - also does tours & Colectivo Lakefront - as an old pumping station and across from the marina is a must see for water enthusiasts

Colectivo, Stone Creek, Anodyne, & Valentine are long time staples. Locals have their favorites but all are excellent and offer fantastic cafés to relax or work in. All 4 have locations within walking distance of the Baird Center - head south toward the 3rd Ward to find them all.

MKE is called Brew City. With Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Miller, & other historical breweries calling MKE home this makes sense. More recently & perhaps under appreciated is the café scene - coffee & tea roasting & brewing is a big part of MKE culture. My thoughts on where to go for #IAGLR25 🧵

🌈 Milwaukee lakefront

View of Milwaukee harbor from inside the Milwaukee Art Musuem. Floral arrangement in foreground

A must see when visiting MKE is the art museum @milwaukeeart.bsky.social. It’s free to go in & enjoy the view. Or take it all in - see the art & sit at the lakeside cafe! The building has “wings” that open & close daily!